By Jordana Thirlwall
Parenting young children is a rewarding, yet often messy journey, with mountains of toys and laundry creating endless clutter throughout the home. But the truth is, the problem isn’t the mess, but rather the sheer amount of stuff. The good news? You don’t need a bigger house or more storage – you just need less.
Less is more
Many parents fall for the illusion that more toys mean more entertainment. However, the reality is, too much clutter can make children anxious and overstimulated. Kids don’t need fifty stuffed toys. They need space to play.
Tip: Start small. For every new item, donate or discard one.
Designate a “home”
Clutter thrives when objects don’t have a designated place. If the kitchen island has become an unofficial ‘dumping ground,’ it’s time for a reset. Labeling baskets and shelves helps kids and parents remember where things belong. For example, keep books only on shelves, soft toys in baskets and solid toys such as monster trucks, in a box. Consistency is key! When kids know where their toys belong, cleaning up becomes second nature. They also become trained to put their toys back properly.
Rotate toys
Have you noticed how kids are more excited to play with a toy they haven’t seen in a while? Instead of overwhelming children with everything at once, rotate toys regularly to keep them entertained for longer without feeling overstimulated.
Tip: Provide only a handful of toys at once. That makes it easier to pack once done.
Declutter in small, manageable steps
Tackling an entire cluttered house at once is overwhelming and exhausting. Instead, designate 15 minutes a day to decluttering manageable amounts. For instance, one drawer or one toy box at a time. With consistency, the home will be clutter-free and maintained over time.
Create functional zones
A home without designated spaces turns into a free-for-all. By setting up functional zones such as a reading nook, play area and art corner, clear boundaries are enforced. Designated areas such as quiet and messy spaces help children associate types of activities with certain areas, reinforcing good habits from a young age.
Kids participating in cleanups
Tidying up shouldn’t be just a parent’s job. Even toddlers can help. Turning cleanups into a game helps children associate the chore as a fun activity. Start by setting a timer, playing music and challenging them to pick up toys before the song ends. Start early, keep it fun and make it a routine, encouraging the development of responsibility and organisational skills.
Tip: Be encouraging during cleaning and provide positive reinforcement afterwards.
Streamline kids’ wardrobes
Closets overflowing with outfits create unnecessary stress and laundry. Stick to a basic wardrobe of versatile, mix-and-match pieces. This simplifies dressing routines and reduces decision fatigue. Implementing a seasonal wardrobe rotation can also help keep clothing storage manageable.
Vertical storage
When floor space is limited, go vertical. Utilise wall-mounted bookshelves, pegboards and hanging organisers to store toys, art supplies and children’s activity tools. Over-the-door organisers can also free up space while keeping frequently used items easily accessible.
Limit sentimental clutter
Naturally, parents are attached to their kids’ artworks and baby clothing. However, storing everything can quickly become overwhelming. Manage sentimental clutter by choosing a few meaningful items and consider digitalising the rest by taking photos or creating a scrapbook. Setting a limit on sentimental items ensures that only the most cherished pieces remain.
Lead by example
Children learn from their parents, therefore, demonstrating efficient organisational habits, such as regularly decluttering, encourages children to mirror these routines. Parents can foster a sense of order by prioritising a clutter-free environment.
Parenting is hard enough without battling endless clutter. The solution isn’t fancy storage bins – it’s a mindset shift. Less stuff means fewer battles, faster cleanups and more time to enjoy with kids. At the end of the day, children won’t remember how many toys they had, but they will remember the space to play, imagine and grow. That’s worth far more than any pile of clutter.
By Jordana Thirlwall, Co-founder of Super Easy Storage and Certified Interior Designer